“The biggest misconception is that dance music is a new thing, that it just kind of burst from the ether…”

What We Started makes its key point with this opening quote, where journalist Kerri Mason sets the scene for the history lesson that will follow in the next one and a half hours.

Filmmakers Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi have assembled an impressive cast of A-list DJs, led by Carl Cox, to talk us through defining moments from the past and share their thoughts on the present. Martin Garrix, at once both an accomplished professional and a wide eyed teen, represents the here and now.

Pete Tong, in addition to appearing on camera, also takes on duties behind the scenes as the film’s executive producer and music director. James Barton of UK superclub Cream and Insomniac mogul Pasquale Rotella are among the luminaries representing the rollercoaster business of dance music event promotion. [Click link below to read more...]

​One of the founding artists of the WE R Music label, along with Brennan Heart, Toneshifterz and Outbreak, Code Black is among the first names that springs to mind when talking about Euphoric Hardstyle.

When you consider that Corey Soljan launched his Code Black alias all the way back in 2011, it’s almost a surprise to learn that “Journey” is in fact the first Code Black studio album.

Many of the 19 tracks on “Journey” will be familiar to fans, either from Code Black’s DJ sets or from the “Chapters” EPs released over the last year. Long time friend and collaborator Toneshifterz features prominently, with guest appearances from Wasted Penguinz, Da Tweekaz, Adrenalize and more.

While predominantly Euphoric Hardstyle at heart, “Journey” also delivers a few surprises along the way.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the milestone tracks on “Journey”. [Click link below to read more...]

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 What happens when a filmmaker becomes best friends with an international touring DJ?

“Girl” is a documentary about female DJs, filmed mainly in the USA in the early 2000s.

“Girl” also tells a story about an outsider having her first experience of dance music culture. Kandeyce Jorden, director of “Girl”, was a complete newcomer to the scene when filming began, and this was not unusual in the USA at that time. Through spending time with Rebecca Sin, DJ Mea, DJ Colette, Lady D, DJ Rap, DJ Irene, and the film’s eventual leading lady Sandra Collins, Jorden finds herself on an unexpected personal journey. [Click link below to read more....]